Are you ready to journey through all Nine Realms with Thor: The Dark World?

Right now, halfway around the world for folks such as me, the Russian Cinema Expo is going on. And as is the way for Cinema Expos and the like, bits and bobs of interesting information have been released in the course of presentations for various films. And while a lot of them are interesting without being essential, sometimes something slips out that is simply too cool to pass up. In this case, that "something" is further confirmation from Marvel that what many of us have been hoping for with THOR: THE DARK WORLD may yet come to pass.

A loose translation of the information reads something like this: The film promises to cover not just the Earth and Asgard, but the entire Nine Realms. The studio hopes that 'Game of Thrones' director Alan Taylor has the experience to build upon the fantasy of the series.

I would imagine that it's a bit more than "hopes" since Taylor got the gig and all, seeing as how Marvel's attitude these days seems to be one of "let's have fun, but don't you dare f*** around with the house we're building by not delivering." THOR showed us Midgard (Earth), Asgard (Home of the Gods), and Jotunheim (Home of the Frost Giants), while THOR: THE DARK WORLD is at least guaranteed to show Svartalfheim (Home of the Dark Elves). But an expanded journey through the Nine Realms would further show us Alfeim (Home of the Light Elves), Nidavellir (Home of the Dwarves), Vanaheim (Asgard's associate-god realm), Hel (Realm of the Dead)/Niffleheim (Frozen Realm of the Dishonored Dead), and Muspelheim (Home of the Fire Demons). Don't know what I'm talking about? Interested in learning more before the sooner-than-you-think release date of November 8th, 2013?

Then check out this handy map I found that was released by Marvel and originally published in the first issue of "The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe!" It's just about the classiest cheat sheet around, useful in all sorts of situations - impress your friends! Wow your co-workers! Turn on your partner!*

*I can't guarantee the actual effectiveness of knowing the names and details of the Nine Realms found in Norse mythology. I can only hope that each and every one of you is lucky enough to have friends, co-workers, and partners who appreciate this sort of thing - we here at JoBlo only want the very best for this fantastic community that we have here.